Washington state shoplifting laws. They have offices in Vancouver & Battle Ground.
Washington state shoplifting laws RETAIL STORE OWNERS AND MANAGERS ARE GIVEN ADVICE ON HOW TO PREVENT, DETER, APPREHEND, AND DETAIN SHOPLIFTERS; AN OUTLINE OF CIVIL AND CRIMINAL SHOPLIFTING LAW IN THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IS PROVIDED. Search and seizures: Chapter 10. 08. The above is the most common charge levied against juvenile shoplifters in Washington state. Jun 26, 2018 · FindLaw's article on Washington Shoplifting Laws and Penalties. RCW 9A. 02. Some county and county codes have a specific Shoplifting offense to cover items stolen from retail stores. 20. s. May 16, 2018 · What are the state of Washington’s laws regarding theft? How does theft differ from robbery or burglary in this state? Could you be wrongly accused of committing a theft in the Seattle area? What can a theft lawyer do to help you? Legally speaking in our state, robbery, burglary, and theft are three distinct and different crimes. This is general information for first-time offenders that are accused of stealing merchandise valued less than $750 under RCW 9A. Feb 14, 2025 · How Does Washington State Define Theft? In Washington State, theft is defined under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Title 9A, Section 9A. 080. 010; The terms Shoplifting and Theft 3 are often used interchangeably. 91 RCW, Theft and Robbery. 310. Nov 24, 2020 · To learn about Washington state shoplifting laws and the penalties, contact Philbrook Law. According to state law, theft involves the unlawful taking or obtaining of someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of its possession or use. For example, if you return Mar 10, 2025 · Understand how Washington classifies theft offenses, the potential penalties, and the broader legal consequences that may follow a conviction. " A person commits theft. c 38: See notes following RCW 9A. 400, a person is guilty of theft in the first degree if he or she commits theft of: (a) Property or services which exceed (s) five thousand dollars in value other than a firearm as defined in RCW 9. 24. Feb 12, 2025 · Penalties For Shoplifting In Washington State - Like many other jurisdictions, Washington has laws that include both criminal and civil punishments for retail theft, also known as shoplifting. II. Aug 21, 2019 · According to the state of Washington, shoplifting is categorized as “theft in the third degree” assuming that the value of the shoplifted goods does not exceed $750 in value. Under Washington State law, “theft” means to wrongfully obtain or exert unauthorized control over the property or services of another or the value thereof, with intent to deprive him or her of such property or services. Public lands, taking or destroying property is theft: RCW 79. 070, 42. 050 Theft in the 3rd Degree, or Shoplifting, in Washington State is defined as the theft of up to $750. com Washington’s Shoplifting Laws at a Glance Washington State shoplifting laws are governed by Chapter 9. Jun 19, 2025 · Shoplifting Laws and Penalties in Washington State Understand how Washington law classifies shoplifting based on merchandise value, which determines the specific criminal charges and potential civil penalties. 090. Retaining books, etc. 56. (1) Except as provided in RCW 9A. Public officer misappropriating funds: RCW 42. Mar 15, 2021 · What to Expect After Being Charged with Shoplifting If you receive a shoplifting charge, a number of steps occur between the arrest and the conviction. 050. 12. 030 Theft in the first degree. . It is considered to be a gross misdemeanor. They have offices in Vancouver & Battle Ground. 41. Stealing, receiving railroad property: RCW 81. Civil action for shoplifting by adults, minors: RCW 4. 340. 230. 020. PDF RCW 9A. A Legal Guide published by John Tymczyszyn and John T Law, PLLC Understanding this guide: This guide is designed for persons who have been detained or arrested for retail theft by loss prevention officers (LPO) or police in Washington State. See full list on criminaldefenselawyer. Following a shoplifting arrest, a police officer will create a report. Each is very precisely defined. Committing a theft offense is considered to be an offense against property. , from public library: RCW 27. 020 as "to exert wrongful control over the property or services of another by any deceitful means or by threat. For more information on this and other related topics, see FindLaw's Washington Criminal Laws section. "Theft" is defined under RCW 9A. Second-degree theft involves stealing items that are valued at more than $750 but less than $5,000, and this is considered a Class C felony in the state of Washington. 79 RCW. Appropriating lost or mistakenly delivered property is also considered theft. A Washington prosecutor will review the report and determine whether or not the state should file charges against you. Under Washington law, Third Degree Theft is the taking of goods valued at $750 or less. Jun 30, 2025 · Understand the current legal framework for shoplifting in Washington, including how the value of goods defines the charge and separate financial obligations to retailers. 40. Removing native flora from state lands or highways: RCW 47. A Guide to Theft Laws & Penalties in Washington State - In Washington, theft is defined as wrongfully taking or obtaining property or services with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of that property or of the value of the services. First-Degree Theft First-degree theft is a serious criminal offense NOTES: Effective date—Severability—1975-'76 2nd ex. lxlhb geboz yengwr osp zkdie knccv yuknq mey wbhbu onxbrsh lofj gcktu aof ihcf ktn